Chief Rugby League Reporter

"I am sure they have wonderful young kids and commonsense will prevail": Billionaire developer Harry Triguboff. Photo: James Brickwood

Billionaire developer Harry Triguboff hopes ''commonsense will prevail'' at Wests Tigers after extending Meriton's sponsorship with the embattled club for another year.

There were fears ongoing instability on the board, coupled with speculation over the coaching situation, could end up hurting the joint-venture club financially.

Last August, when there were rumblings about the tenure of coach Mick Potter, Mr Triguboff, founder and managing director of Meriton, threatened to end his long-running association with the club. The issue again came to a head on the weekend, with rumours rife that Potter would be replaced by his assistant, David Kidwell. While the club resolved not to make any changes until the end of the season, the decision will only let the uncertainty linger amid predictions it is only a stay of execution for the former Dally M medal winner.

Despite the dramas, Mr Triguboff – the merger's inaugural major sponsor – has given the Tigers some rare good news in his decision to stick solid.

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''I am sure they have wonderful young kids and commonsense will prevail,'' Mr Triguboff said. ''We should do very well.''

It is understood the present Meriton deal is worth about $700,000 to $900,000, with the Tigers entitled to the larger amount should they make it all the way to this year's grand final.

The coaching situation was the main talking point amongst the players when they went for after-game drinks at the Star in Pyrmont following the loss to St George Illawarra. With a long turnaround before their Monday night clash with Melbourne, the team was allowed a rare night out, organised well before the current dramas bubbled to the surface. Captain Robbie Farah is said to be doing it particularly tough after being fingered as the man behind the push to oust Potter.

One of the reasons the coaching speculation has been allowed to fester is delays in the NRL in appointing three independent directors to the board. It is understood a woman was all but across the line, only to pull out after enquiring about the remuneration package. The setback has further stalled the process, which is likely to take at least another fortnight.

While Potter's future remains clouded, a contractual dispute with previous mentor Tim Sheens remains before the courts. And in another legal matter which could have flown-on effects to the Balmain side of the venture, a matter between Rozelle Village and the Balmain Leagues Club continues in the Supreme Court.

The Tigers have arguably the best young talent in the game, with Luke Brooks, Mitchell Moses, James Tedesco and Curtis Sironen all on long-term contracts. Another young gun, Sitaleki Akauola, recommitted for another two seasons on Tuesday.

Akauola made his NRL debut against Melbourne last year and has notched five more first-grade matches since. The 22-year-old, who can cover a range of positions from back-row to the outside backs, will join the top 25 squad next year.

''I’m really happy with my new deal,'' Akauola said. ''It has always been a dream of mine to play in the NRL and it’s great to have that opportunity with the Wests Tigers.

''It’s really pleasing to stay for another two years and my goal is to cement a position in the NRL team through hard work and consistent performances.''

Akauola was part of the Wests Tigers 2012 Under 20s premiership-winning side alongside present NRL players such as David Nofoaluma, Sauaso Sue and Joel Luani.

''I have a lot of great memories from 2012,'' Akauola said. ''There are a lot of players from that side still at the club and hopefully we can win another premiership together in the future.

''We are a tight group at the Wests Tigers, my teammates are like brothers to me.''

Potter added: ''Sitaleki has made a steady progression over the past couple of years. I’m happy with where he is at now and I’m looking forward to him pushing forward in the future.

''He offers great versatility to the squad and is a player with a lot of potential.''